1 00:00:10,760 --> 00:00:14,159 Speaker 1: What's up, guys. Welcome into a week seventeen edition of 2 00:00:14,320 --> 00:00:19,000 Speaker 1: Chargers Weekly alongside Matt Buddy Smith. I'm Chris Hayry. It's 3 00:00:19,480 --> 00:00:23,000 Speaker 1: raining and so cal and money. I just think about 4 00:00:23,040 --> 00:00:27,040 Speaker 1: the Chargers and they've been in a position of strength 5 00:00:27,280 --> 00:00:29,720 Speaker 1: the entire season. When it comes to the playoff picture, 6 00:00:30,440 --> 00:00:33,960 Speaker 1: we enter week seventeen where you gotta win out and 7 00:00:33,960 --> 00:00:37,280 Speaker 1: you're gonna need some help. Yeah, it's it's it's the 8 00:00:37,280 --> 00:00:40,279 Speaker 1: worst loss in the five years that I've been doing this. 9 00:00:40,720 --> 00:00:43,080 Speaker 1: I think back to that Tennessee loss where you know, 10 00:00:43,320 --> 00:00:46,559 Speaker 1: Austin Ecklers should have been awarded a touchdown and instead 11 00:00:46,600 --> 00:00:48,680 Speaker 1: it was, you know, ruled short, and then Melvine gets 12 00:00:48,680 --> 00:00:50,839 Speaker 1: four cracks at it fumbles and it's a loss, and 13 00:00:50,880 --> 00:00:52,919 Speaker 1: I just remember the feeling around the team like that 14 00:00:53,000 --> 00:00:54,960 Speaker 1: was the turning point of that season, like, hey, we're 15 00:00:54,960 --> 00:00:57,720 Speaker 1: good enough, Brakes just haven't gone our way. And then 16 00:00:57,720 --> 00:01:01,960 Speaker 1: after that happened, that was brutal. This is easily the 17 00:01:02,600 --> 00:01:05,200 Speaker 1: worst loss, and I think it's it goes to us 18 00:01:05,240 --> 00:01:07,640 Speaker 1: talking about the Chiefs game being the biggest game in 19 00:01:07,720 --> 00:01:10,320 Speaker 1: these back to back weeks, and it's this team's good enough, 20 00:01:10,920 --> 00:01:12,720 Speaker 1: you know, when they're healthy, and we can get into 21 00:01:12,720 --> 00:01:14,639 Speaker 1: the health and who gets to play and who doesn't, 22 00:01:14,640 --> 00:01:16,520 Speaker 1: and how they approach that from the start of the season. 23 00:01:16,600 --> 00:01:19,400 Speaker 1: That's been an unmitigated disaster these last couple of weeks. 24 00:01:19,440 --> 00:01:23,880 Speaker 1: But like this loss, and you just mentioned it, Sure 25 00:01:23,920 --> 00:01:25,840 Speaker 1: you can win the next two, but the fact that 26 00:01:25,880 --> 00:01:29,840 Speaker 1: they no longer are in control of a playoff spot, 27 00:01:30,360 --> 00:01:33,119 Speaker 1: I think leads to you know, looking at that game 28 00:01:33,280 --> 00:01:36,600 Speaker 1: with a rookie quarterback, they had four fifth the Texans 29 00:01:36,600 --> 00:01:40,080 Speaker 1: had four fifths of their offensive line out, three fourths 30 00:01:40,080 --> 00:01:43,600 Speaker 1: of their defensive line out, and Rex Burkhead, who looks 31 00:01:43,640 --> 00:01:45,880 Speaker 1: like he's two hundred years old in the face, having 32 00:01:45,920 --> 00:01:50,520 Speaker 1: a career day. Is easily the worst performance I've seen 33 00:01:51,160 --> 00:01:54,000 Speaker 1: from and this is I'm talking about forty five nothing 34 00:01:54,080 --> 00:01:57,520 Speaker 1: last year to the Patriots. I just think expectations, what's 35 00:01:57,560 --> 00:02:00,800 Speaker 1: on the line and what was produced is easily the 36 00:02:00,880 --> 00:02:03,600 Speaker 1: worst I've seen since I've been doing this. Yeah, it was. 37 00:02:03,760 --> 00:02:06,520 Speaker 1: It was eye popping, especially when you consider that Texans 38 00:02:06,720 --> 00:02:11,160 Speaker 1: running attack was the worst in football without their offensive 39 00:02:11,160 --> 00:02:15,200 Speaker 1: line starters Rex Burkhead and company Royce Freeman one hundred 40 00:02:15,200 --> 00:02:18,320 Speaker 1: and eighty nine yards on the ground, And I think 41 00:02:18,560 --> 00:02:20,440 Speaker 1: you point to a couple of things that the third 42 00:02:20,480 --> 00:02:22,280 Speaker 1: down defense, they could not get off the field on 43 00:02:22,360 --> 00:02:25,079 Speaker 1: third down against Davis Bills, and they could not stop 44 00:02:25,080 --> 00:02:28,840 Speaker 1: the run. And the Texans go into that game money 45 00:02:28,919 --> 00:02:32,079 Speaker 1: with three wins, plus seven in the turnover differential. In 46 00:02:32,120 --> 00:02:35,160 Speaker 1: those three wins, they were plus three against the Charges. 47 00:02:35,200 --> 00:02:38,240 Speaker 1: You can't play a sloppy game of football on top 48 00:02:38,280 --> 00:02:42,280 Speaker 1: of all that, and it was just, you know, anything 49 00:02:42,320 --> 00:02:45,560 Speaker 1: that could go wrong did go wrong. Michael Davis was 50 00:02:45,600 --> 00:02:48,480 Speaker 1: pulled off the field right before the game. You mentioned 51 00:02:48,480 --> 00:02:50,320 Speaker 1: all the guys that were out, and you know we 52 00:02:50,360 --> 00:02:53,000 Speaker 1: can get into that too. I mean, listen, you're gonna 53 00:02:53,040 --> 00:02:55,400 Speaker 1: look different when Darwin James and Joey Bosa and Austin 54 00:02:55,440 --> 00:02:57,480 Speaker 1: Eckler and Corey Linsley and Mike Williams are not on 55 00:02:57,520 --> 00:03:00,960 Speaker 1: the field. But at the same time, there was way 56 00:03:00,960 --> 00:03:02,640 Speaker 1: too much talent on the field for the Chargers to 57 00:03:02,680 --> 00:03:04,880 Speaker 1: lose the game. Yeah. Look, I think you can make 58 00:03:04,880 --> 00:03:07,400 Speaker 1: a case the Texans run worse shape, you know, based 59 00:03:07,440 --> 00:03:11,720 Speaker 1: on their starters versus their backups compared to the Chargers 60 00:03:11,760 --> 00:03:14,320 Speaker 1: starters versus their backups. We've seen depth come through for 61 00:03:14,360 --> 00:03:18,800 Speaker 1: this team time and time again. And you know, DJ 62 00:03:18,960 --> 00:03:22,240 Speaker 1: said something interesting, and you know when they kicked that 63 00:03:22,320 --> 00:03:24,519 Speaker 1: first field goal and then they kicked the second field goal, 64 00:03:25,440 --> 00:03:28,440 Speaker 1: it's just this team doesn't work well that way. This 65 00:03:28,480 --> 00:03:31,680 Speaker 1: team is all gas. This team is our coach has 66 00:03:31,720 --> 00:03:34,560 Speaker 1: given us the keys and we're going to deliver. And 67 00:03:34,639 --> 00:03:37,600 Speaker 1: when you kick those field goals, the team just felt flat. 68 00:03:38,160 --> 00:03:40,600 Speaker 1: You know that it was a bring your own energy game. 69 00:03:40,960 --> 00:03:43,960 Speaker 1: And Austin Eckler's a big energy guy. Corey Lindsley we've 70 00:03:43,960 --> 00:03:45,920 Speaker 1: heard from the moment he walked in the door, has 71 00:03:45,920 --> 00:03:48,120 Speaker 1: been a leader of that offense. We know what boasted 72 00:03:48,120 --> 00:03:50,880 Speaker 1: Derwin James mean to the defense, and I think in that, 73 00:03:51,440 --> 00:03:54,920 Speaker 1: you know, with that kind of as a backdrop, and 74 00:03:54,960 --> 00:03:56,800 Speaker 1: then you kick two field goals and they scored a 75 00:03:56,840 --> 00:03:58,840 Speaker 1: touchdown in their first tribe and it just felt like 76 00:03:59,320 --> 00:04:01,720 Speaker 1: just all the juice was sucked out of this team. 77 00:04:01,920 --> 00:04:04,000 Speaker 1: You know, there was no juice, sorry to interrupt, there's 78 00:04:04,000 --> 00:04:06,080 Speaker 1: no juice in the in the building to begin with. No, 79 00:04:06,200 --> 00:04:08,080 Speaker 1: Well that's why. I mean, there were twenty thousand people there, 80 00:04:08,080 --> 00:04:11,240 Speaker 1: so it was a you are responsible for your own energy, 81 00:04:11,720 --> 00:04:13,560 Speaker 1: and I just felt like they did not have that. 82 00:04:13,720 --> 00:04:16,960 Speaker 1: They they did not have it. You know, the first 83 00:04:16,960 --> 00:04:18,440 Speaker 1: time they moved down the field, you know, they lose 84 00:04:18,520 --> 00:04:22,160 Speaker 1: the toss and they moved right down the field, and 85 00:04:22,200 --> 00:04:23,400 Speaker 1: I know it was a fourth and I don't know 86 00:04:23,440 --> 00:04:25,360 Speaker 1: what it was, fourth and six, fourth and whatever, But 87 00:04:25,839 --> 00:04:28,000 Speaker 1: why don't you kick that field? It's like, I do 88 00:04:29,000 --> 00:04:31,040 Speaker 1: not you know, I get it. You took a ton 89 00:04:31,080 --> 00:04:33,919 Speaker 1: of incoming last week for not kicking field goals, and 90 00:04:33,960 --> 00:04:35,640 Speaker 1: you feel like your defense ought to be good enough 91 00:04:35,640 --> 00:04:37,839 Speaker 1: to hold down this offense that's dead last in almost 92 00:04:37,880 --> 00:04:40,640 Speaker 1: every category. So points are at a premium, just go 93 00:04:40,720 --> 00:04:44,840 Speaker 1: get them. But I just felt like this um that 94 00:04:44,839 --> 00:04:47,720 Speaker 1: that kind of set a tone, along with not having 95 00:04:47,760 --> 00:04:51,640 Speaker 1: any of their energy guys out there that unfortunately maintained 96 00:04:51,720 --> 00:04:56,279 Speaker 1: through the entire through the entire contest. And you know, again, 97 00:04:56,320 --> 00:04:58,320 Speaker 1: I know people are upset and they want to point 98 00:04:58,360 --> 00:05:01,919 Speaker 1: to NFL protocols, guys being vaxed or not vaxed, And 99 00:05:01,960 --> 00:05:04,360 Speaker 1: I think that's worth having a conversation of are you 100 00:05:04,480 --> 00:05:06,360 Speaker 1: letting your team down when you knew what the rules 101 00:05:06,360 --> 00:05:08,599 Speaker 1: were and here we are at the end and everything 102 00:05:08,680 --> 00:05:11,880 Speaker 1: was fine until now. But to me, they were good 103 00:05:11,960 --> 00:05:14,520 Speaker 1: enough to win that game. They were missing something. It 104 00:05:14,640 --> 00:05:17,160 Speaker 1: just it clearly felt that way like something wasn't out 105 00:05:17,200 --> 00:05:19,440 Speaker 1: there that we've seen the majority of this year in 106 00:05:19,440 --> 00:05:21,600 Speaker 1: that particular game, and hopefully they'll find it and they'll 107 00:05:21,640 --> 00:05:24,440 Speaker 1: win these next two. Yeah, they have to regroup and 108 00:05:25,040 --> 00:05:27,520 Speaker 1: get some help. And you know, we talked about this 109 00:05:27,560 --> 00:05:31,560 Speaker 1: on Monday with Hailey, just the playoff picture, the caveat 110 00:05:31,640 --> 00:05:33,960 Speaker 1: if the Chargers don't win doesn't mean anything. But now 111 00:05:34,279 --> 00:05:37,560 Speaker 1: you're you're gonna go into Sunday if you're a Chargers fan, 112 00:05:37,720 --> 00:05:40,560 Speaker 1: and you're gonna watch Miami and Tennessee and you're gonna 113 00:05:40,560 --> 00:05:43,919 Speaker 1: watch Baltimore and the Rams, and if the Ravens lose 114 00:05:44,400 --> 00:05:47,719 Speaker 1: and the Dolphins lose, the Chargers could go into that 115 00:05:47,839 --> 00:05:51,240 Speaker 1: game knowing that they have destiny back in their hands 116 00:05:51,520 --> 00:05:54,719 Speaker 1: if they beat the Raiders and they beat the Broncos. So, 117 00:05:55,120 --> 00:05:57,200 Speaker 1: I mean, that's that's something to keep an eye on. 118 00:05:57,320 --> 00:05:58,840 Speaker 1: But you know, we'll have Troy Rank on it a 119 00:05:58,839 --> 00:06:02,200 Speaker 1: little bit to kind of breakdown this Broncos matchup and 120 00:06:02,800 --> 00:06:04,920 Speaker 1: kind of what it means for Denver as they lose 121 00:06:05,000 --> 00:06:07,400 Speaker 1: to the Raiders last week, and you know, they're coming 122 00:06:07,440 --> 00:06:10,000 Speaker 1: in knowing that they don't have the playoffs to play for, 123 00:06:10,200 --> 00:06:13,680 Speaker 1: they have pride and you know their head coach could 124 00:06:13,720 --> 00:06:15,920 Speaker 1: be coaching his last two games. We don't know about that, 125 00:06:16,040 --> 00:06:20,680 Speaker 1: But I go back to just the fact that they 126 00:06:20,680 --> 00:06:23,760 Speaker 1: were so close to beating the Chiefs money, like if 127 00:06:23,800 --> 00:06:27,080 Speaker 1: they beat Kansas City, like, I wonder if there is 128 00:06:27,080 --> 00:06:29,440 Speaker 1: a little bit more juice, right, Well, yeah, I mean 129 00:06:29,480 --> 00:06:31,680 Speaker 1: I think back to, you know, again a few years 130 00:06:31,680 --> 00:06:34,000 Speaker 1: ago when they knocked off Kansas City on Thursday night, 131 00:06:34,040 --> 00:06:36,320 Speaker 1: were first place in the AFC, and they come back 132 00:06:36,360 --> 00:06:38,760 Speaker 1: and lose to Baltimore and go from being the first 133 00:06:38,760 --> 00:06:41,520 Speaker 1: the number one scene to a wild card. So but 134 00:06:41,640 --> 00:06:44,400 Speaker 1: I hear you, you know, and you almost wonder, you know, 135 00:06:44,600 --> 00:06:47,400 Speaker 1: you expend so much energy. It was such an awesome 136 00:06:47,480 --> 00:06:50,359 Speaker 1: game and everybody played so well, and just the margins 137 00:06:50,400 --> 00:06:52,680 Speaker 1: were so slim. To lose that thing in overtime, you 138 00:06:52,720 --> 00:06:56,640 Speaker 1: wonder if there's a hangover, especially with the holiday. You know, 139 00:06:56,640 --> 00:06:59,040 Speaker 1: there's just so much that The one thing that I'll 140 00:06:59,080 --> 00:07:01,400 Speaker 1: say is I think it's a reminder everybody in the 141 00:07:01,480 --> 00:07:04,080 Speaker 1: NFL is good. There are no bad teams. Like you're 142 00:07:04,120 --> 00:07:07,040 Speaker 1: never gonna get a free pass no matter what. Davis 143 00:07:07,040 --> 00:07:09,440 Speaker 1: Mills looked good. Davis Mills stood tall in the pocket, 144 00:07:09,480 --> 00:07:12,760 Speaker 1: He delivered some beautiful throws you know into coverage that 145 00:07:12,800 --> 00:07:14,920 Speaker 1: we're just in the perfect spot for his receivers to 146 00:07:14,960 --> 00:07:18,320 Speaker 1: score touchdowns. So you know, the Texans aren't terrible. Texans 147 00:07:18,360 --> 00:07:20,760 Speaker 1: are a good team. They knocked off Tennessee and now 148 00:07:20,800 --> 00:07:22,560 Speaker 1: they knocked on And when I say good, I mean 149 00:07:22,560 --> 00:07:25,200 Speaker 1: they are plenty capable of beating anyone any day if 150 00:07:25,240 --> 00:07:27,880 Speaker 1: things are going you know their direction, if you let 151 00:07:27,960 --> 00:07:30,880 Speaker 1: up at all. And there's no reason to think that 152 00:07:30,880 --> 00:07:32,920 Speaker 1: the Chargers can't win these next two games. Of course 153 00:07:32,960 --> 00:07:35,760 Speaker 1: they can. They're one of the most talented teams in 154 00:07:35,840 --> 00:07:39,080 Speaker 1: the league. It's just it's unfortunate that that might not 155 00:07:39,160 --> 00:07:42,400 Speaker 1: be enough. You know that. Now, what I'm hoping is, 156 00:07:42,880 --> 00:07:45,000 Speaker 1: you know, now as I flip, you know, to the 157 00:07:45,320 --> 00:07:47,440 Speaker 1: hopeful side of things. Look the Dolphins on this wind 158 00:07:47,520 --> 00:07:49,400 Speaker 1: streak of play to strength of schedule that's in the 159 00:07:49,560 --> 00:07:52,440 Speaker 1: three hundreds. I think it's like three ten or something 160 00:07:52,520 --> 00:07:56,280 Speaker 1: like that. So they have not really had a serious 161 00:07:56,440 --> 00:07:59,200 Speaker 1: challenge every They've either been benefited because they have not 162 00:07:59,240 --> 00:08:01,000 Speaker 1: been hit by COVID. If you look at their roster, 163 00:08:01,120 --> 00:08:04,400 Speaker 1: they've been pretty well lockstep. They're good to go. So 164 00:08:04,560 --> 00:08:07,320 Speaker 1: you know, you had a team of pretty much entirely 165 00:08:07,400 --> 00:08:11,360 Speaker 1: comprised of starters against a ravaged Saint squad, and that 166 00:08:11,440 --> 00:08:13,640 Speaker 1: was the only team with a five hundred winning record 167 00:08:13,680 --> 00:08:15,880 Speaker 1: that they played on this stretch of seven wins. So 168 00:08:16,280 --> 00:08:18,120 Speaker 1: let's see if they can do it against the Titans 169 00:08:18,400 --> 00:08:21,200 Speaker 1: and against the Patriots and the Chargers. I think when 170 00:08:21,200 --> 00:08:22,720 Speaker 1: you look at those two games, it's like, you know what, 171 00:08:23,360 --> 00:08:25,040 Speaker 1: I find it pretty hard that a team that was 172 00:08:25,080 --> 00:08:27,640 Speaker 1: at one point one and seven closing out the season 173 00:08:27,640 --> 00:08:29,520 Speaker 1: with nine wins in a row, now it's happened. I 174 00:08:29,560 --> 00:08:32,840 Speaker 1: just don't. They don't look like they're that talented of 175 00:08:32,880 --> 00:08:36,200 Speaker 1: a team, especially upfront on the offensive line. With the 176 00:08:36,240 --> 00:08:38,880 Speaker 1: defenses they're about to go face, the defensive fronts they're 177 00:08:38,880 --> 00:08:40,800 Speaker 1: about to go face. So then you take the Ravens, 178 00:08:41,400 --> 00:08:43,560 Speaker 1: and that's the one that I think scares me a 179 00:08:43,640 --> 00:08:46,800 Speaker 1: little bit more, just because Lamar Jackson's a cheat code. 180 00:08:47,080 --> 00:08:51,640 Speaker 1: Their defense is destroyed, their secondary is absolutely wrecked. By no, 181 00:08:51,920 --> 00:08:54,640 Speaker 1: they should lose out like they truly should lose out 182 00:08:54,679 --> 00:08:57,079 Speaker 1: based on what you're looking at. You think the Chargers 183 00:08:57,120 --> 00:09:00,000 Speaker 1: secondary looks different when they don't have their starters out there, 184 00:09:00,080 --> 00:09:03,720 Speaker 1: which it does. The Ravens is a disaster. So I 185 00:09:03,760 --> 00:09:06,199 Speaker 1: think the hope there is Okay, I think we can 186 00:09:06,240 --> 00:09:08,199 Speaker 1: make a case that these two teams are going to 187 00:09:08,280 --> 00:09:10,880 Speaker 1: lose one. So let's just and the players and the 188 00:09:10,880 --> 00:09:13,679 Speaker 1: coaches will never acknowledge this, nor should they. It's for 189 00:09:13,800 --> 00:09:15,520 Speaker 1: us to do and for us to kind of look 190 00:09:15,520 --> 00:09:17,960 Speaker 1: at the bigger picture. But I think they know that, 191 00:09:18,400 --> 00:09:20,760 Speaker 1: you know, instead of hanging their heads like, holy corrapt, 192 00:09:20,840 --> 00:09:23,800 Speaker 1: we just gave the season away. We just missed out 193 00:09:23,800 --> 00:09:26,200 Speaker 1: on the playoffs, and we are if we're healthy, We're 194 00:09:26,320 --> 00:09:28,520 Speaker 1: easily one of the most talented teams in the tournament. 195 00:09:28,880 --> 00:09:31,400 Speaker 1: So I think they can look at and I don't 196 00:09:31,400 --> 00:09:34,720 Speaker 1: think that, you know, the Rams are a so much 197 00:09:34,760 --> 00:09:37,520 Speaker 1: more talented than the Baltimore Ravens right now, it's not 198 00:09:37,640 --> 00:09:40,360 Speaker 1: even close when you line those two rosters up, especially 199 00:09:40,360 --> 00:09:43,920 Speaker 1: when you think about Odell Beckham, Junior Cooper cup Van 200 00:09:44,040 --> 00:09:48,520 Speaker 1: Jefferson cam Akers is back against that secondary. They ought 201 00:09:48,559 --> 00:09:50,880 Speaker 1: to be able to light that team up, and that's 202 00:09:50,880 --> 00:09:52,840 Speaker 1: all you need. And so I think it's I almost 203 00:09:52,840 --> 00:09:55,920 Speaker 1: think it's sort of important Chris to kind of share that. 204 00:09:56,000 --> 00:09:57,880 Speaker 1: I know you want to, Oh, we're focused on the Chargers. 205 00:09:57,880 --> 00:10:00,240 Speaker 1: We can only worry about Matt now. That you're not 206 00:10:00,280 --> 00:10:02,200 Speaker 1: in control. I think it's worth pointing out, Hey, look, 207 00:10:02,520 --> 00:10:05,480 Speaker 1: yeah we were, we were shorthanded last week. But these 208 00:10:05,480 --> 00:10:09,880 Speaker 1: teams don't necessarily have this thing locked up. So let's 209 00:10:09,920 --> 00:10:12,560 Speaker 1: remember that even though it's not in our control right now, 210 00:10:13,120 --> 00:10:16,840 Speaker 1: it very likely well could be at the end of Sunday. Yeah, 211 00:10:16,880 --> 00:10:19,120 Speaker 1: and and really it could be at the beginning of 212 00:10:19,160 --> 00:10:23,079 Speaker 1: the game. They could know at one oh five that hey, 213 00:10:22,800 --> 00:10:25,040 Speaker 1: we're back in this thing, and if it gives you 214 00:10:25,240 --> 00:10:27,600 Speaker 1: extra juice, it shouldn't. But if it gives you extra juice, 215 00:10:27,640 --> 00:10:30,160 Speaker 1: then then so be it. And I want to give 216 00:10:30,200 --> 00:10:33,040 Speaker 1: the person credit, But I saw Big Vay's record on 217 00:10:33,080 --> 00:10:36,560 Speaker 1: the East Coasts in early games pretty good, you know, 218 00:10:36,679 --> 00:10:39,839 Speaker 1: so when you had that passing attack in that Raven 219 00:10:39,960 --> 00:10:43,800 Speaker 1: secondary and they're playing for a division title, so there 220 00:10:43,840 --> 00:10:48,880 Speaker 1: you go. The the Raiders too. Um, I'll just kind 221 00:10:48,880 --> 00:10:51,600 Speaker 1: of take it a step further. If Carson Wentz doesn't 222 00:10:51,600 --> 00:10:55,120 Speaker 1: play on Sunday and the Raiders somehow beat the Colts 223 00:10:56,240 --> 00:10:59,000 Speaker 1: and the Chargers beat the Broncos, we're looking at a 224 00:10:59,000 --> 00:11:02,640 Speaker 1: Winter take all games in Las Vegas. Either. I don't 225 00:11:02,640 --> 00:11:04,840 Speaker 1: know if they flex it to Sunday night or said 226 00:11:04,880 --> 00:11:06,480 Speaker 1: I think they would. I mean, how do you not 227 00:11:06,760 --> 00:11:08,760 Speaker 1: you know, how do you not make that a primetime game? Right? 228 00:11:08,760 --> 00:11:11,960 Speaker 1: If it's Raiders versus Chargers for everything? Yeah, So, I 229 00:11:12,000 --> 00:11:14,080 Speaker 1: mean we could be looking at that too. So there's 230 00:11:14,280 --> 00:11:16,640 Speaker 1: a myriad of scenarios, but none of it matters if 231 00:11:16,640 --> 00:11:19,800 Speaker 1: the Charges don't take care of business. And I guess 232 00:11:19,880 --> 00:11:22,000 Speaker 1: we can get into this before we talk to Troy 233 00:11:22,160 --> 00:11:26,280 Speaker 1: just the Chargers have had difficulty with the Denver Broncos. 234 00:11:26,520 --> 00:11:29,559 Speaker 1: They beat them last year at SOFI Stadium. Teddy Bridgewater 235 00:11:29,679 --> 00:11:32,320 Speaker 1: was the starter first time around. We saw Drew Lock 236 00:11:32,400 --> 00:11:34,840 Speaker 1: for a little bit before Bridgewater went back in. It's 237 00:11:34,840 --> 00:11:38,400 Speaker 1: gonna be Drew Lock's team. Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon 238 00:11:38,559 --> 00:11:43,800 Speaker 1: coming off their worst game together in Denver. What do 239 00:11:43,840 --> 00:11:46,200 Speaker 1: you make of this matchup knowing that the Broncos don't 240 00:11:46,200 --> 00:11:48,760 Speaker 1: have much to play for and the Chargers have their 241 00:11:48,760 --> 00:11:51,360 Speaker 1: season to play for. Well, I'm hoping it and I'm 242 00:11:51,360 --> 00:11:54,040 Speaker 1: just kind of looking off camera here for those watching 243 00:11:54,040 --> 00:11:56,480 Speaker 1: the video portion of this at Herbert, So it's one 244 00:11:56,480 --> 00:11:58,559 Speaker 1: of her Herbert's worst performances of the year, right, he 245 00:11:58,600 --> 00:12:01,880 Speaker 1: throws two interceptions. Yes, quarterback rating of eighty. You go 246 00:12:01,960 --> 00:12:04,720 Speaker 1: back to the year prior against the Broncos in that 247 00:12:04,800 --> 00:12:08,240 Speaker 1: first one, and it was one of his worst performances 248 00:12:08,320 --> 00:12:11,440 Speaker 1: of the year. His first goal around against Vic Fangio. Right, 249 00:12:11,520 --> 00:12:14,559 Speaker 1: it was three touchdowns, but he threw two picks. One 250 00:12:14,600 --> 00:12:16,760 Speaker 1: of them was brutal toward the end of that game. 251 00:12:16,800 --> 00:12:18,960 Speaker 1: That helped open that door for the Broncos to come 252 00:12:19,000 --> 00:12:20,560 Speaker 1: back and get that thirty one thirty win. And then 253 00:12:20,559 --> 00:12:23,880 Speaker 1: what did he do. He comes back against him, you 254 00:12:23,880 --> 00:12:26,760 Speaker 1: know in week whatever it was sixteen, right, because there 255 00:12:26,760 --> 00:12:30,080 Speaker 1: were seventeen weeks and ends up taking care of the football, 256 00:12:30,360 --> 00:12:33,120 Speaker 1: no turnovers and they get the win. You know. So 257 00:12:33,480 --> 00:12:36,480 Speaker 1: he was able to avenge every single loss you know 258 00:12:37,040 --> 00:12:39,240 Speaker 1: on his you know, in the division last year. And 259 00:12:39,280 --> 00:12:41,320 Speaker 1: I'm hoping he does the same because you know, he's 260 00:12:41,360 --> 00:12:44,120 Speaker 1: already beat the Raiders, he's already beat the Chiefs, He's 261 00:12:44,240 --> 00:12:46,880 Speaker 1: you know, he's lost to the Broncos. Let's not get swept. 262 00:12:47,000 --> 00:12:49,160 Speaker 1: He has not been swept by a division opponent yet. 263 00:12:49,200 --> 00:12:50,959 Speaker 1: I know it's a young career, but let's not get 264 00:12:51,000 --> 00:12:54,240 Speaker 1: it started now. So I think the hope is that 265 00:12:54,440 --> 00:12:56,520 Speaker 1: you know, they recognize some things they can do better. 266 00:12:56,640 --> 00:13:00,480 Speaker 1: My big fear in this game, and it shouldn't safe fear. 267 00:13:00,559 --> 00:13:03,079 Speaker 1: But the thing that I'd be most concerned about is 268 00:13:03,520 --> 00:13:07,440 Speaker 1: just how different this run defense looks without Justin Jones. 269 00:13:07,960 --> 00:13:11,000 Speaker 1: It's just not even close. And they're picking on Jerry Tillery, 270 00:13:11,040 --> 00:13:13,439 Speaker 1: and I know that's been a point of emphasis in 271 00:13:13,480 --> 00:13:16,280 Speaker 1: the media and in the press conferences and coaches even 272 00:13:16,280 --> 00:13:18,160 Speaker 1: acknowledged it that you know, they're trying to just get 273 00:13:18,200 --> 00:13:19,840 Speaker 1: them better or these young player and they're trying to 274 00:13:19,840 --> 00:13:21,560 Speaker 1: develop him and help him out on his run fills 275 00:13:21,600 --> 00:13:22,920 Speaker 1: and figure out where he's supposed to be in what 276 00:13:23,000 --> 00:13:25,199 Speaker 1: gap and half he's responsible for, and it just has 277 00:13:25,240 --> 00:13:28,800 Speaker 1: not worked out this year. So I'm very hopeful with 278 00:13:28,840 --> 00:13:30,760 Speaker 1: the new protocols. I don't want to do VAX talk 279 00:13:30,840 --> 00:13:32,200 Speaker 1: on this, I know people don't want to hear it, 280 00:13:32,240 --> 00:13:36,240 Speaker 1: but I'm hopeful Justin Jones can be back. And if 281 00:13:36,280 --> 00:13:38,640 Speaker 1: he's not, I thought Brandon Fojoco had a great game 282 00:13:39,000 --> 00:13:40,920 Speaker 1: and I think he just is going to have to 283 00:13:40,920 --> 00:13:44,920 Speaker 1: play that Justin Jones role and you'll have to figure out, 284 00:13:45,000 --> 00:13:47,000 Speaker 1: you know, can we cover up wal though did they 285 00:13:47,040 --> 00:13:49,640 Speaker 1: find it? Because man, against the Broncos, you do not 286 00:13:49,760 --> 00:13:53,120 Speaker 1: want to have issues in your run defense against Javonte Williams, 287 00:13:53,600 --> 00:13:56,720 Speaker 1: because man, they will put it on you. Hey yeah, absolutely. 288 00:13:56,760 --> 00:14:00,360 Speaker 1: So that's that's my big concern, and I think is 289 00:14:00,440 --> 00:14:02,200 Speaker 1: great of a job as the coaches have done. A man, 290 00:14:02,240 --> 00:14:04,920 Speaker 1: they have done a great job when it comes to 291 00:14:05,040 --> 00:14:09,240 Speaker 1: depth on the defensive line, on the offensive line, at 292 00:14:09,320 --> 00:14:12,920 Speaker 1: wide receiver. Look last week at how great Justin Jackson 293 00:14:13,080 --> 00:14:15,840 Speaker 1: was in place of Austin Ekeler. I mean, they have 294 00:14:16,000 --> 00:14:19,840 Speaker 1: done great work when it comes to getting backups ready 295 00:14:19,840 --> 00:14:23,160 Speaker 1: to play. But the secondary has been a huge issue. 296 00:14:24,120 --> 00:14:25,960 Speaker 1: You know, if your starters are out and you mentioned 297 00:14:25,960 --> 00:14:27,600 Speaker 1: it at the start of this, Chris, you know, Michael 298 00:14:27,640 --> 00:14:30,400 Speaker 1: Davis has pulled off the field at the start and 299 00:14:30,640 --> 00:14:33,920 Speaker 1: it's just it's you know, it's a Jenga, right, It's 300 00:14:33,960 --> 00:14:38,080 Speaker 1: just and the whole thing comes crashing down and Davis Mills, 301 00:14:38,320 --> 00:14:39,760 Speaker 1: you know, and I'm gonna give him credit. He's looked 302 00:14:39,760 --> 00:14:41,080 Speaker 1: good in a couple of games this year. I'm not 303 00:14:41,120 --> 00:14:42,840 Speaker 1: saying the like, oh, how do you how do you 304 00:14:42,920 --> 00:14:45,200 Speaker 1: let that guy beat? You know, Davis Mills is like, Okay, 305 00:14:45,520 --> 00:14:49,200 Speaker 1: there's DeVante Harris attack him, and there's he's saying, bassie 306 00:14:49,240 --> 00:14:52,640 Speaker 1: him attack him. And you know, in this day and 307 00:14:52,680 --> 00:14:55,360 Speaker 1: age you can find it. It's out there for you 308 00:14:55,400 --> 00:14:57,920 Speaker 1: to go get. And Man, when you talk about Courtland 309 00:14:57,960 --> 00:15:01,320 Speaker 1: Sutton and the talent Jerry's Judy and the talent they 310 00:15:01,360 --> 00:15:05,000 Speaker 1: have at the pass catcher position, Um, you know you 311 00:15:05,080 --> 00:15:07,720 Speaker 1: hope the return of Joey Bosa and you know, I 312 00:15:07,800 --> 00:15:10,080 Speaker 1: know Kyler Facral has been out there playing a little bit. Now, 313 00:15:10,600 --> 00:15:12,320 Speaker 1: Kyle Facerle has been out there playing a little bit, 314 00:15:12,360 --> 00:15:15,360 Speaker 1: and you hope that you know, there's enough pass rush 315 00:15:15,440 --> 00:15:18,680 Speaker 1: that those guys aren't hung out to dry, you know, 316 00:15:18,720 --> 00:15:21,840 Speaker 1: and they have to be responsible for for receivers longer 317 00:15:21,880 --> 00:15:24,080 Speaker 1: than they need to be because I even with Drew 318 00:15:24,120 --> 00:15:25,720 Speaker 1: lockback there, I think it could end up being a 319 00:15:25,720 --> 00:15:27,840 Speaker 1: bit of an issue. Remember that game last year with 320 00:15:27,880 --> 00:15:30,480 Speaker 1: Jerry Judy and the drops, like, yeah, he could have 321 00:15:30,520 --> 00:15:32,920 Speaker 1: had like like three touchdowns. Yeah, he dropped like j 322 00:15:33,080 --> 00:15:36,240 Speaker 1: touchdowns that game. Yeah, we talk about Justin Jones and 323 00:15:36,280 --> 00:15:39,480 Speaker 1: you're one right, Um, but you've said a time and 324 00:15:39,560 --> 00:15:42,680 Speaker 1: time again too, Joey Bosa is as good against the 325 00:15:42,760 --> 00:15:46,800 Speaker 1: run as he is getting after the quarterback. So getting 326 00:15:46,880 --> 00:15:50,240 Speaker 1: him back in addition to Justin Jones, I just think 327 00:15:50,280 --> 00:15:53,320 Speaker 1: I think that that one two punch of Gordon and Williams. 328 00:15:53,880 --> 00:15:56,600 Speaker 1: Is has a really bad taste in their mouth from 329 00:15:56,960 --> 00:15:59,000 Speaker 1: last week, and they're gonna try to establish the run. 330 00:15:59,160 --> 00:16:02,160 Speaker 1: They're gonna try to help out Lock and just just 331 00:16:02,280 --> 00:16:04,960 Speaker 1: do what they did the last time they played the Chargers. 332 00:16:04,960 --> 00:16:08,760 Speaker 1: They had almost two hundred total yards and then will Lock, 333 00:16:10,080 --> 00:16:12,000 Speaker 1: you know, throw the ball down the field to Sutton 334 00:16:12,000 --> 00:16:15,040 Speaker 1: and Judy and maybe take advantage of of a thin 335 00:16:15,160 --> 00:16:18,080 Speaker 1: Charger secondary. That's one thing that we got to watch. Yeah, 336 00:16:18,120 --> 00:16:21,960 Speaker 1: I mean, look, I think to me and were, it 337 00:16:21,960 --> 00:16:23,920 Speaker 1: feels like we're painting oblique picture and I don't need 338 00:16:24,000 --> 00:16:25,920 Speaker 1: to do that. I'm just saying, hey, this is what 339 00:16:26,000 --> 00:16:28,200 Speaker 1: they need to sort out based on what we've seen 340 00:16:28,840 --> 00:16:31,360 Speaker 1: a throughout the season. You mentioned third down. They're the 341 00:16:31,400 --> 00:16:33,360 Speaker 1: worst third down defense in the league. You know, it's 342 00:16:33,400 --> 00:16:35,360 Speaker 1: not like it just showed up in that Houston game. 343 00:16:35,400 --> 00:16:38,000 Speaker 1: They're thirty second in the league at getting teams off 344 00:16:38,040 --> 00:16:41,640 Speaker 1: the field. They allow teams to convert fifty percent of 345 00:16:41,680 --> 00:16:43,640 Speaker 1: their third downs, and in that game, I want to 346 00:16:43,680 --> 00:16:47,240 Speaker 1: say it was over seventy percent that Houston was able 347 00:16:47,360 --> 00:16:49,520 Speaker 1: to convert. And again that's with four fifths of their 348 00:16:49,520 --> 00:16:53,080 Speaker 1: offensive line missing. Their number one receiver Brandon Cooks, who 349 00:16:53,080 --> 00:16:55,120 Speaker 1: had one hundred and fourteen targets. The next wide receiver 350 00:16:55,200 --> 00:16:57,160 Speaker 1: I think had something like forty four. That's how big 351 00:16:57,200 --> 00:17:00,000 Speaker 1: the gap was and how reliant they were on Brandon Cooks. 352 00:17:00,160 --> 00:17:02,240 Speaker 1: And then again Rex Burke had with a career day 353 00:17:02,320 --> 00:17:05,520 Speaker 1: rushing for seven yards per carry and one hundred and 354 00:17:05,520 --> 00:17:08,760 Speaker 1: forty nine yards and two touchdowns. So you got to 355 00:17:08,760 --> 00:17:11,000 Speaker 1: figure that out like that, like and I know coach 356 00:17:11,040 --> 00:17:14,040 Speaker 1: addressed it and said they felt like they had a 357 00:17:14,080 --> 00:17:18,000 Speaker 1: game plan and that they just unfortunately did not execute, 358 00:17:18,200 --> 00:17:21,320 Speaker 1: and defensive linemen that are responsible for gaps weren't quite 359 00:17:21,600 --> 00:17:24,760 Speaker 1: comfortable figuring that out. And when Drew trank Will went 360 00:17:24,760 --> 00:17:28,000 Speaker 1: out and you have linebackers that are responsible for fills, 361 00:17:28,040 --> 00:17:30,600 Speaker 1: and then you've got issues at safety. You know, Looie 362 00:17:30,600 --> 00:17:33,639 Speaker 1: Gilman's back for the first time in whatever five six weeks, 363 00:17:33,640 --> 00:17:36,159 Speaker 1: and Derwin James isn't out there, and you got corners 364 00:17:36,160 --> 00:17:39,119 Speaker 1: that they're used to having make tackles. It was a 365 00:17:39,200 --> 00:17:41,720 Speaker 1: rough go because look, they play with a light box, 366 00:17:42,040 --> 00:17:43,960 Speaker 1: you know, they play with a lot of too high 367 00:17:44,000 --> 00:17:47,760 Speaker 1: and when there's a lightbox, if you a don't mind 368 00:17:47,800 --> 00:17:50,320 Speaker 1: your gap, be get your run fill right or see 369 00:17:50,400 --> 00:17:53,520 Speaker 1: miss tackles, which was another problem in that game. You 370 00:17:53,640 --> 00:17:56,520 Speaker 1: got issues, You got runs that could go for a 371 00:17:56,640 --> 00:17:59,359 Speaker 1: yard or two yard loss, and they become eight yard 372 00:17:59,480 --> 00:18:03,160 Speaker 1: and nine yard and fifteen yard games. And we saw 373 00:18:03,200 --> 00:18:05,439 Speaker 1: that repeatedly, and I know that was something coach had 374 00:18:05,800 --> 00:18:08,080 Speaker 1: had talked about, you know, when it comes to coaching 375 00:18:08,119 --> 00:18:10,480 Speaker 1: and just feeling like you got everything right and that 376 00:18:10,560 --> 00:18:13,760 Speaker 1: have you done everything you should to put your players 377 00:18:13,760 --> 00:18:16,200 Speaker 1: in a position where they know what's expected of them 378 00:18:16,600 --> 00:18:19,360 Speaker 1: and they can execute what your vision is. And I'm 379 00:18:19,359 --> 00:18:23,800 Speaker 1: assuming that that's probably been a huge point of emphasis 380 00:18:24,720 --> 00:18:29,359 Speaker 1: this whole week of practice. Before we get to Troy, 381 00:18:29,400 --> 00:18:31,040 Speaker 1: I just want to say this to the fans. For 382 00:18:31,160 --> 00:18:35,440 Speaker 1: as disappointed as you were on Monday, and you know 383 00:18:35,600 --> 00:18:39,239 Speaker 1: it was a really really bad loss. As disappointed as 384 00:18:39,280 --> 00:18:42,280 Speaker 1: you were, next Monday, you could be talking about beating 385 00:18:42,280 --> 00:18:45,000 Speaker 1: the Raiders and going straight to the playoffs. Right. Look 386 00:18:45,640 --> 00:18:47,679 Speaker 1: a hundred percent, Chris, I've said it. Just get in. 387 00:18:47,920 --> 00:18:50,800 Speaker 1: This team is so talented. All they gotta do is 388 00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:55,080 Speaker 1: I was talking to someone affiliated with a particular team. 389 00:18:55,240 --> 00:18:57,080 Speaker 1: I don't want to out him or anything like that, 390 00:18:57,119 --> 00:18:59,240 Speaker 1: but someone that is pretty high up on a team 391 00:18:59,280 --> 00:19:02,680 Speaker 1: and they're in the playoffs, and he said, look, you 392 00:19:03,119 --> 00:19:05,240 Speaker 1: tell me which of these teams do I not want 393 00:19:05,240 --> 00:19:07,720 Speaker 1: to see. It's you. I don't want to have to 394 00:19:07,720 --> 00:19:10,160 Speaker 1: contend with Justin Herbert and Austin Eckler and Joey Bosa 395 00:19:10,280 --> 00:19:12,919 Speaker 1: and Derwin. I want nothing to do with that in 396 00:19:12,960 --> 00:19:17,000 Speaker 1: the postseason. And I think everybody feels that way. You know, 397 00:19:17,200 --> 00:19:20,800 Speaker 1: game wreckers make differences in the playoffs. They tend that, 398 00:19:20,880 --> 00:19:22,800 Speaker 1: you know, it tends to be teams that are the 399 00:19:22,840 --> 00:19:27,760 Speaker 1: most talented or have exceptional outlier players. And you're absolutely right. 400 00:19:27,880 --> 00:19:29,919 Speaker 1: You know, come Monday, we could be back in a 401 00:19:29,960 --> 00:19:32,680 Speaker 1: position where we're talking about a primetime game on Saturday 402 00:19:32,760 --> 00:19:37,560 Speaker 1: night or Sunday night, winner take all and just get in, 403 00:19:38,000 --> 00:19:43,360 Speaker 1: just get into the tournament. And like I said, if 404 00:19:43,400 --> 00:19:45,960 Speaker 1: they're the seventh seed and they got to go against 405 00:19:45,960 --> 00:19:48,679 Speaker 1: the highest seed every single time to get to the 406 00:19:48,680 --> 00:19:50,680 Speaker 1: super Bowl, I still have faith that this team could 407 00:19:50,680 --> 00:19:52,639 Speaker 1: do it on the road for three games in a row. 408 00:19:52,680 --> 00:19:54,960 Speaker 1: I do. I just I feel like they're that talented. 409 00:19:55,000 --> 00:19:57,239 Speaker 1: They just stubbed their toe. Wow, it's more like they 410 00:19:57,240 --> 00:19:58,520 Speaker 1: fell on their face. I think it was bigger than 411 00:19:58,480 --> 00:20:00,280 Speaker 1: stubbing their toe, because now they got to games in 412 00:20:00,320 --> 00:20:02,359 Speaker 1: front of them. But you can get up, dust off 413 00:20:02,440 --> 00:20:04,720 Speaker 1: and get back moving, and I think they can do that, 414 00:20:05,280 --> 00:20:07,000 Speaker 1: And if they do, we're gonna cut this part of 415 00:20:07,040 --> 00:20:09,000 Speaker 1: the podcast. We're gonna lead with it next week and 416 00:20:09,000 --> 00:20:12,800 Speaker 1: we're gonna get excited for Raiders Chargers in Vegas. But 417 00:20:12,920 --> 00:20:15,600 Speaker 1: first let's dive into this matchup with the Denver Broncos 418 00:20:15,600 --> 00:20:18,520 Speaker 1: and Troy Rank. But first, a quick note to let 419 00:20:18,560 --> 00:20:21,360 Speaker 1: you know that Pepsi they're handing out the Ultimate Chargers 420 00:20:21,400 --> 00:20:25,240 Speaker 1: fan experience only at seven eleven Russian scan the code 421 00:20:25,280 --> 00:20:28,600 Speaker 1: for your chance to win some awesome Chargers prizes. Bolts 422 00:20:28,680 --> 00:20:32,040 Speaker 1: Up with Pepsi must be eighteen years or older. No 423 00:20:32,119 --> 00:20:36,280 Speaker 1: purchase necessary. Sponsor is PEPSI code. For official rules, visit 424 00:20:36,320 --> 00:20:40,480 Speaker 1: bolt up la dot com slash seven eleven. I also 425 00:20:40,520 --> 00:20:43,040 Speaker 1: want to tell you guys about picks for Popeyes every 426 00:20:43,080 --> 00:20:45,840 Speaker 1: Chargers game this season when the Bolts defense gets an 427 00:20:45,840 --> 00:20:49,560 Speaker 1: interception showed the game recap, email to your local Popeyes 428 00:20:49,640 --> 00:20:52,280 Speaker 1: to get a free chicken sandwich when you purchase a 429 00:20:52,359 --> 00:20:57,440 Speaker 1: chicken sandwich at regular menu price. All right, to get 430 00:20:57,440 --> 00:21:01,280 Speaker 1: this week's opposing view, let's bring in Broncos insider den 431 00:21:01,400 --> 00:21:04,280 Speaker 1: Verse seven. Troy Rank joins this year on Charges Weekly 432 00:21:04,400 --> 00:21:07,040 Speaker 1: and Troy, why don't you just kind of set the 433 00:21:07,040 --> 00:21:09,800 Speaker 1: scene in Denver coming off a loss to the Raiders. 434 00:21:09,920 --> 00:21:12,280 Speaker 1: What are they saying about coming to Los Angeles and 435 00:21:12,320 --> 00:21:15,840 Speaker 1: Sofi Stadium to take on the Chargers. Yeah, I mean 436 00:21:15,840 --> 00:21:18,639 Speaker 1: they're really left to play for pride. That Cincinnati Bengals 437 00:21:18,680 --> 00:21:20,240 Speaker 1: game a couple of weeks ago, it was a knockout 438 00:21:20,280 --> 00:21:22,840 Speaker 1: game in a lot of ways, and then they get 439 00:21:22,880 --> 00:21:25,119 Speaker 1: to Vegas and all these teams start losing around him, 440 00:21:25,160 --> 00:21:28,000 Speaker 1: including the Chargers. So they have a chance and they 441 00:21:28,040 --> 00:21:30,560 Speaker 1: blow it against the Raiders. So they're trying to play 442 00:21:30,600 --> 00:21:33,000 Speaker 1: the role of spoiler. Be fair to your teammates, be 443 00:21:33,040 --> 00:21:35,959 Speaker 1: fair to the process. But you know, those of us 444 00:21:36,000 --> 00:21:39,840 Speaker 1: who grew up here, the idea of the Broncos playing spoiler, 445 00:21:39,920 --> 00:21:42,239 Speaker 1: like it's like this the sour Cream have an expiration date. 446 00:21:42,240 --> 00:21:44,159 Speaker 1: It's one of these questions you don't ever want to address, 447 00:21:44,200 --> 00:21:46,680 Speaker 1: like what are we talking about the Broncos playing spoiler? 448 00:21:46,680 --> 00:21:49,560 Speaker 1: But it's been a lean six years since the Super Bowl, 449 00:21:49,920 --> 00:21:53,000 Speaker 1: So they're playing for pride in some cases, and they 450 00:21:53,040 --> 00:21:55,240 Speaker 1: could be playing for coach Vic Fangio's job. As well. 451 00:21:55,280 --> 00:21:58,439 Speaker 1: If he can win out, maybe he stays for another season. 452 00:21:58,440 --> 00:22:01,280 Speaker 1: If he loses out four straight, I'd be a hard 453 00:22:01,359 --> 00:22:04,400 Speaker 1: argument for him to stay for a fourth season. Well, 454 00:22:04,520 --> 00:22:06,240 Speaker 1: no doubt, it's it's always been an issue for the 455 00:22:06,320 --> 00:22:08,959 Speaker 1: Chargers since Vic showed up in Denver. This team has 456 00:22:09,000 --> 00:22:11,879 Speaker 1: played the Chargers very well and won a lot of 457 00:22:11,880 --> 00:22:14,399 Speaker 1: these games. And they've done it with Drew Locke. True. 458 00:22:14,440 --> 00:22:16,280 Speaker 1: I mean we saw true, we saw Drew kind of 459 00:22:16,359 --> 00:22:18,160 Speaker 1: dig this team out from a heck of a whole 460 00:22:18,240 --> 00:22:20,400 Speaker 1: last year and get a win. We saw him get 461 00:22:20,400 --> 00:22:21,679 Speaker 1: a win on the last play of the game with 462 00:22:21,720 --> 00:22:24,760 Speaker 1: a PI. So kind of walk us through what's happened, Like, 463 00:22:25,040 --> 00:22:27,280 Speaker 1: what's happened to him? He did seem like it was promising, 464 00:22:27,400 --> 00:22:30,080 Speaker 1: like maybe he was going to end up being the guy. Yeah, 465 00:22:30,080 --> 00:22:32,040 Speaker 1: you're right about Fangio and the Chargers. He's four and 466 00:22:32,080 --> 00:22:34,879 Speaker 1: one against the Chargers. He's one and ten against the 467 00:22:34,920 --> 00:22:37,679 Speaker 1: Chiefs and Raiders. I mean that's what's crushing Hi, especially 468 00:22:37,720 --> 00:22:40,960 Speaker 1: the fourth straight losses to the Raiders. But regarding Drew Locke, 469 00:22:41,440 --> 00:22:43,560 Speaker 1: he just got into a pattern last year where he 470 00:22:43,560 --> 00:22:45,680 Speaker 1: couldn't stop turning the ball over. He had a street 471 00:22:45,920 --> 00:22:48,560 Speaker 1: last season of eleven straight games with at least one turnover, 472 00:22:49,119 --> 00:22:52,680 Speaker 1: and in his career now he has twenty five turnovers 473 00:22:52,760 --> 00:22:55,800 Speaker 1: in twenty two games. It's just too many. Even had 474 00:22:55,800 --> 00:22:58,119 Speaker 1: an interception in relief against the Chargers this year that 475 00:22:58,200 --> 00:23:01,479 Speaker 1: breed life back into the Chargers. So what happened? You know, 476 00:23:01,680 --> 00:23:04,479 Speaker 1: when the Rich Skangarrella, the offensive coordinator, was let go 477 00:23:04,560 --> 00:23:09,720 Speaker 1: after Drew's rookie year by Vic Fangio. That's where things 478 00:23:09,760 --> 00:23:13,119 Speaker 1: got a little sideways. Pat Shermer and Drew Locke maybe 479 00:23:13,160 --> 00:23:15,879 Speaker 1: they would have fit in a non COVID related situation, 480 00:23:15,960 --> 00:23:18,080 Speaker 1: but trying to bring in a new offense with a 481 00:23:18,119 --> 00:23:21,719 Speaker 1: new philosophy, it just never really clicked last year. Then 482 00:23:21,760 --> 00:23:25,240 Speaker 1: Drew got hurt, hurt his shoulder. So you see how 483 00:23:25,280 --> 00:23:26,840 Speaker 1: this goes, because you guys lived at last year with 484 00:23:26,880 --> 00:23:31,600 Speaker 1: Anthony Lynn, a veteran coach, was seven in September. How 485 00:23:31,640 --> 00:23:34,360 Speaker 1: do you win in the NFL? Usually veteran quarterback who 486 00:23:34,359 --> 00:23:36,280 Speaker 1: doesn't turn the ball over. So they bring in Teddy 487 00:23:36,280 --> 00:23:39,760 Speaker 1: Bridgewater and it was a pretty even camp. Bridgewater and 488 00:23:39,920 --> 00:23:42,639 Speaker 1: an Locke competed all the way to the end. In 489 00:23:42,720 --> 00:23:45,239 Speaker 1: the end they trusted Bridgewater more. So you ask what 490 00:23:45,240 --> 00:23:48,760 Speaker 1: happened to Locke. Part of the issue is they're asking 491 00:23:48,840 --> 00:23:51,239 Speaker 1: him to be something he's not, Like you're trying to 492 00:23:51,280 --> 00:23:54,160 Speaker 1: take the wag out of the puppy dog's tail, and 493 00:23:54,240 --> 00:23:59,040 Speaker 1: he's become so conservative. When you don't take any chances, 494 00:23:59,080 --> 00:24:02,479 Speaker 1: you can't make play. So it's like, don't take care 495 00:24:02,520 --> 00:24:04,720 Speaker 1: of the ball and take chances. And they haven't found 496 00:24:04,720 --> 00:24:09,120 Speaker 1: that balance. But Drew is matured. He has certainly improved, 497 00:24:09,680 --> 00:24:12,920 Speaker 1: but he's still trying to find his way in this 498 00:24:13,040 --> 00:24:16,080 Speaker 1: offense of how can he be himself without turning the 499 00:24:16,080 --> 00:24:17,760 Speaker 1: ball over? You know? And I like the kid. I 500 00:24:17,800 --> 00:24:20,600 Speaker 1: love his enthusiasm and his passion for the game. But 501 00:24:20,760 --> 00:24:24,080 Speaker 1: the simple answer is what happened. Too many turnovers left 502 00:24:24,119 --> 00:24:27,880 Speaker 1: him vulnerable to losing his job. Troy. The strength of 503 00:24:27,920 --> 00:24:30,400 Speaker 1: the Broncos offense this season has been that one two 504 00:24:30,440 --> 00:24:33,160 Speaker 1: punch of Gordon and Williams one hundred and ninety nine 505 00:24:33,160 --> 00:24:36,520 Speaker 1: total yards against the Chargers in the first meeting. I 506 00:24:36,560 --> 00:24:39,840 Speaker 1: look at the box score last week, fourteen carries for 507 00:24:39,960 --> 00:24:45,800 Speaker 1: eight yards. What happened in Las Vegas? Yeah, they You're 508 00:24:45,840 --> 00:24:47,920 Speaker 1: exactly right, and that's why they lost because they're built 509 00:24:47,960 --> 00:24:50,040 Speaker 1: to play good defense and run the football and win 510 00:24:50,119 --> 00:24:52,480 Speaker 1: time of possession, so their run game in so many 511 00:24:52,480 --> 00:24:55,520 Speaker 1: ways becomes part of their defense. But what happened at 512 00:24:55,560 --> 00:24:57,600 Speaker 1: least be looking at and I'm not a football coach, 513 00:24:57,640 --> 00:24:59,960 Speaker 1: I mean watching the film, watching it live. I was there. 514 00:25:00,680 --> 00:25:04,960 Speaker 1: The Raiders did some different stunts, but the Broncos got predictable. 515 00:25:04,960 --> 00:25:07,280 Speaker 1: And they're not gonna say this, but they're in talking 516 00:25:07,320 --> 00:25:09,679 Speaker 1: to some former offensive lineman who did watch the All 517 00:25:09,720 --> 00:25:12,199 Speaker 1: twenty two closely. They just felt like there were some 518 00:25:12,280 --> 00:25:15,119 Speaker 1: tells there that they knew when guys were in motion 519 00:25:15,320 --> 00:25:18,240 Speaker 1: or stance that they were running. And it also looked 520 00:25:18,240 --> 00:25:21,760 Speaker 1: like they had a new center in Austin Schlotman because Cushionberry, 521 00:25:21,800 --> 00:25:24,359 Speaker 1: Lloyd Cushionberry was on the COVID list. It looked like 522 00:25:24,480 --> 00:25:27,680 Speaker 1: to me that they never changed the snap count. So 523 00:25:27,840 --> 00:25:30,920 Speaker 1: it's like they think they're running and their guests in 524 00:25:31,000 --> 00:25:33,320 Speaker 1: the snap count, because it wasn't like you just alluded 525 00:25:33,359 --> 00:25:35,680 Speaker 1: to the stat It wasn't they were stopping the run. 526 00:25:36,080 --> 00:25:39,160 Speaker 1: Most of the contact was in the backfield. It wasn't 527 00:25:39,200 --> 00:25:41,640 Speaker 1: like a guy was hitting two yards and being dropped back. 528 00:25:42,119 --> 00:25:44,040 Speaker 1: They weren't even making it to the line of scrimmage 529 00:25:44,280 --> 00:25:46,760 Speaker 1: and Remember this is a Raiders defense that was ranked 530 00:25:47,280 --> 00:25:49,639 Speaker 1: right around twenty five twenty six in rush defense. So 531 00:25:49,680 --> 00:25:52,959 Speaker 1: what happened a new center in a new quarterback, and 532 00:25:53,000 --> 00:25:56,200 Speaker 1: the Raiders saw something that they could do because they 533 00:25:56,200 --> 00:25:59,560 Speaker 1: were just living up the middle and creating issues where 534 00:25:59,560 --> 00:26:02,000 Speaker 1: there were no running lanes for Gordon or Williams and 535 00:26:02,359 --> 00:26:05,520 Speaker 1: Javante usually can break some tackles even when he's nothing there. 536 00:26:06,040 --> 00:26:08,520 Speaker 1: He would break two tackles. It was like the you 537 00:26:08,560 --> 00:26:10,879 Speaker 1: know that Kevin Harland run. He's like bounces off a tackle, 538 00:26:10,920 --> 00:26:13,280 Speaker 1: breaks another, one jump and into one yard game. It 539 00:26:14,080 --> 00:26:16,280 Speaker 1: was like all this action and he's like gets back 540 00:26:16,320 --> 00:26:18,080 Speaker 1: to the line of scrimmage. So it was a tough 541 00:26:18,160 --> 00:26:21,000 Speaker 1: go and it is directly why they lost to the Raiders. 542 00:26:21,600 --> 00:26:24,960 Speaker 1: So we certainly saw it firsthand when we were in Denver. 543 00:26:25,320 --> 00:26:28,399 Speaker 1: And how good Patrick surtanis been his rookie season, just 544 00:26:28,480 --> 00:26:30,919 Speaker 1: kind of someone who's covered this team as long as 545 00:26:30,920 --> 00:26:34,040 Speaker 1: you have, you've seen really good defensive backfields, kind of 546 00:26:34,040 --> 00:26:36,119 Speaker 1: walk us through how his rookie campaign has been and 547 00:26:36,200 --> 00:26:39,240 Speaker 1: how good he is. Yeah, I mean he's terrific, And 548 00:26:39,520 --> 00:26:41,480 Speaker 1: it really comes down to a couple of things. His 549 00:26:41,600 --> 00:26:45,600 Speaker 1: maturity and his technique when he arrived, Like even in 550 00:26:45,680 --> 00:26:47,679 Speaker 1: the first mini camp, you watch him and he's just, 551 00:26:48,080 --> 00:26:50,119 Speaker 1: you know, he's like as smooth as left out butter. 552 00:26:50,240 --> 00:26:53,280 Speaker 1: I mean, he just gets everything easily and there's no 553 00:26:53,560 --> 00:26:59,159 Speaker 1: nothing looks hard for him and does technique. He's never scrambling, 554 00:26:59,200 --> 00:27:01,320 Speaker 1: he's never chased. I'm not saying he doesn't get beat 555 00:27:01,359 --> 00:27:02,879 Speaker 1: but you guys know what I mean. It's like he 556 00:27:03,000 --> 00:27:05,199 Speaker 1: just looks really comfortable. And I had to, you know, 557 00:27:05,200 --> 00:27:07,200 Speaker 1: the benefit of covering the no fly zone with a 558 00:27:07,280 --> 00:27:09,480 Speaker 1: keep to leave and Chris Harris Junior, who you know, well, 559 00:27:09,960 --> 00:27:13,000 Speaker 1: Chris with technique was as good as anybody I've ever seen. 560 00:27:13,400 --> 00:27:15,800 Speaker 1: His ability to play up man front, you know, the 561 00:27:15,880 --> 00:27:19,119 Speaker 1: quarters zone. And I'm not saying he's Chris, but he 562 00:27:19,200 --> 00:27:21,960 Speaker 1: there's he reminds me of Chris and that he's never 563 00:27:22,040 --> 00:27:25,200 Speaker 1: out of position. He's a thinking man's corner and that 564 00:27:25,240 --> 00:27:30,000 Speaker 1: ties directly to his dad, Pat Sertan Patrick coaching him. 565 00:27:30,520 --> 00:27:33,119 Speaker 1: And he just looked like a pro the moment he 566 00:27:33,200 --> 00:27:35,960 Speaker 1: stepped on because he wasn't supposed to start. They signed 567 00:27:36,040 --> 00:27:39,080 Speaker 1: Kyle Fuller to the opposite of Ronald Darby and it 568 00:27:39,119 --> 00:27:41,439 Speaker 1: became obvious in camp They're like, man, how are they 569 00:27:41,480 --> 00:27:43,720 Speaker 1: gonna keep their tan off the field? And he learned 570 00:27:43,800 --> 00:27:46,320 Speaker 1: Nickel and then they're just like, what are we doing? 571 00:27:46,400 --> 00:27:48,520 Speaker 1: I mean the kids six two sixty three looks like 572 00:27:48,600 --> 00:27:52,720 Speaker 1: Justin Simmons size wise, so and he's humble. You know, 573 00:27:52,920 --> 00:27:55,720 Speaker 1: one of the best parts about professional athletes who become great. 574 00:27:56,119 --> 00:27:58,720 Speaker 1: There is an edge to him that we always it's understood, 575 00:27:58,960 --> 00:28:02,080 Speaker 1: but there's a humil about his game that he's always 576 00:28:02,080 --> 00:28:04,760 Speaker 1: looking to get better. And he's not this rookie who's 577 00:28:04,760 --> 00:28:07,080 Speaker 1: pounding his chest saying I should have been Pro Bowl, 578 00:28:07,119 --> 00:28:09,880 Speaker 1: I should have been this. He understands from his dad 579 00:28:10,080 --> 00:28:12,879 Speaker 1: how hard the game is, and there's a humility in 580 00:28:12,920 --> 00:28:15,159 Speaker 1: his game that makes me think he's got plenty of 581 00:28:15,200 --> 00:28:18,439 Speaker 1: Pro Bowls in his future. Parrot interceptions and all pick 582 00:28:18,520 --> 00:28:22,359 Speaker 1: six against the Charges last time they met. What did 583 00:28:22,440 --> 00:28:26,280 Speaker 1: the Broncos defense due to Justin Herbert that first time around? 584 00:28:27,240 --> 00:28:30,159 Speaker 1: You mentioned Vic's success against the Chargers, and obviously we 585 00:28:30,240 --> 00:28:33,760 Speaker 1: know the relationship between Staley and Fangio, but it seemed 586 00:28:33,760 --> 00:28:36,800 Speaker 1: like Vic had something cooked up for Justin the first time. Yeah, 587 00:28:36,840 --> 00:28:40,240 Speaker 1: I mean Vic Fangio's record against young quarterbacks either first 588 00:28:40,280 --> 00:28:43,440 Speaker 1: time starters rookie second year of quarterbacks is impressive. I 589 00:28:43,480 --> 00:28:46,480 Speaker 1: mean it's in two to one winning ratio as a 590 00:28:46,520 --> 00:28:49,280 Speaker 1: coordinator and head coach. And what he typically does and 591 00:28:49,400 --> 00:28:52,440 Speaker 1: what I saw against Herbert, they just the sky stuff 592 00:28:52,480 --> 00:28:55,400 Speaker 1: well and it's it's more like a matchup zone in 593 00:28:55,480 --> 00:28:58,920 Speaker 1: basketball where guys leave guys. And they did this to 594 00:28:59,000 --> 00:29:01,560 Speaker 1: Dak Prescott as well, so it looks man, it looks 595 00:29:01,560 --> 00:29:03,640 Speaker 1: man a snap and then as soon as the guy 596 00:29:03,680 --> 00:29:06,560 Speaker 1: cuts a guy lets his guy go, another guy jumps him. 597 00:29:06,760 --> 00:29:10,000 Speaker 1: And when the defense works right, guys react to each 598 00:29:10,000 --> 00:29:12,360 Speaker 1: other in real time, so they're not even really playing 599 00:29:12,400 --> 00:29:15,200 Speaker 1: a space. They're reading off each other. And that's what 600 00:29:15,240 --> 00:29:18,800 Speaker 1: they did to Prescott that they had him completely discombobulated, 601 00:29:18,840 --> 00:29:21,440 Speaker 1: but similar to what they did to Herbert, where his 602 00:29:21,520 --> 00:29:23,760 Speaker 1: eyes are telling him one thing and then he's letting 603 00:29:23,800 --> 00:29:26,560 Speaker 1: go of the ball and the pictures changing. And that's 604 00:29:26,560 --> 00:29:29,480 Speaker 1: what Fangio, when the defense is right, they do to 605 00:29:29,600 --> 00:29:32,320 Speaker 1: young quarterbacks. And I'll tell you what I love Herbert. 606 00:29:32,360 --> 00:29:36,280 Speaker 1: I've seen Herbert live now what twice three times? He 607 00:29:36,480 --> 00:29:39,120 Speaker 1: is who Trevor Lawrence was supposed to be. And I've 608 00:29:39,120 --> 00:29:41,640 Speaker 1: seen him both live now. I don't think, and I 609 00:29:41,680 --> 00:29:43,760 Speaker 1: love Trevor Lawrence. I don't think Trevor can be better 610 00:29:43,760 --> 00:29:47,480 Speaker 1: than Herbert because Herbert's bigger, stronger, faster. I mean, He's 611 00:29:47,480 --> 00:29:50,240 Speaker 1: just physically more imposing. And I don't know in recent 612 00:29:50,280 --> 00:29:52,480 Speaker 1: years that there's been a quarterback I've been more wrong 613 00:29:52,520 --> 00:29:55,880 Speaker 1: on because I watched a lot of Oregon football, because 614 00:29:55,880 --> 00:29:58,080 Speaker 1: I'm an see you alone, watch a lot of Pac twelve, 615 00:29:58,880 --> 00:30:01,800 Speaker 1: and these own coach at Or didn't trust him except 616 00:30:01,840 --> 00:30:03,720 Speaker 1: in Arizona State and the Rose Bowl. I should have 617 00:30:03,800 --> 00:30:06,200 Speaker 1: trusted what I saw at the Rose Bowl. Anyway, long 618 00:30:06,240 --> 00:30:08,360 Speaker 1: story short, I'm like, he looks like he kind of 619 00:30:08,360 --> 00:30:10,480 Speaker 1: reminds me a little Joe Flacco. Does he have the 620 00:30:10,560 --> 00:30:13,440 Speaker 1: personality to be the leader? And then I had text 621 00:30:13,520 --> 00:30:17,280 Speaker 1: Chris Harris a couple of days into training camp Herbert's 622 00:30:17,320 --> 00:30:19,760 Speaker 1: rookie year, and He's like, oh my god, we got 623 00:30:19,760 --> 00:30:22,880 Speaker 1: a guy. And I was like, oh no, because Chris knows, 624 00:30:22,920 --> 00:30:25,880 Speaker 1: and I was like, he's got the personality. He's like, absolutely, 625 00:30:25,920 --> 00:30:28,200 Speaker 1: he's got this. Absolutely. I was like, oh no, I 626 00:30:28,280 --> 00:30:31,400 Speaker 1: was so wrong on Herbert. Yeah, you know. And it's 627 00:30:31,440 --> 00:30:34,880 Speaker 1: interesting because and I hate to flip it forward Troy 628 00:30:34,960 --> 00:30:36,480 Speaker 1: and put you on the spot because I know you've 629 00:30:36,480 --> 00:30:38,320 Speaker 1: been asked a million times and I wish we could 630 00:30:38,360 --> 00:30:40,200 Speaker 1: just focus on this game. And both these teams were 631 00:30:40,200 --> 00:30:42,440 Speaker 1: competing for a playoff spot. But I mean, you know 632 00:30:42,480 --> 00:30:44,360 Speaker 1: what the talk is, it's been there for two years, 633 00:30:44,600 --> 00:30:47,560 Speaker 1: maybe even three years. Do you get the sense there's 634 00:30:47,600 --> 00:30:50,560 Speaker 1: a deal out there for this team? Are you hearing anything? 635 00:30:50,640 --> 00:30:53,840 Speaker 1: Because man, you got a division that's got Patrick Mahomes 636 00:30:53,840 --> 00:30:55,760 Speaker 1: and Justin Herbert, and you think about adding to Russell 637 00:30:55,760 --> 00:30:58,560 Speaker 1: Wilson or and Aaron Rodgers to that roster that you 638 00:30:58,560 --> 00:31:00,440 Speaker 1: have in Denver, and my goodness, what this thing could 639 00:31:00,440 --> 00:31:03,360 Speaker 1: look like in twenty twenty two. Yeah, I believe their 640 00:31:03,360 --> 00:31:06,320 Speaker 1: first priority will to be to get approven veteran star 641 00:31:06,440 --> 00:31:10,480 Speaker 1: quarterback Russell Wilson, on paper, could be the most attainable 642 00:31:10,960 --> 00:31:13,840 Speaker 1: if the Seahawks, let's say again we're playing the hypothetical 643 00:31:13,880 --> 00:31:16,840 Speaker 1: game right to be clear, but if they decide to 644 00:31:16,880 --> 00:31:19,960 Speaker 1: move on or gracefully pushed Pete Carroll at the door 645 00:31:20,120 --> 00:31:22,520 Speaker 1: and Russell says, you know what, even with Peak on 646 00:31:22,600 --> 00:31:25,720 Speaker 1: new coach, I just want to start over fresh, Denver 647 00:31:25,800 --> 00:31:27,920 Speaker 1: could give them the amount of picks that would restock 648 00:31:28,000 --> 00:31:30,800 Speaker 1: them based on their terrible trade for Jamal Adams. So 649 00:31:30,920 --> 00:31:34,080 Speaker 1: and Russell Wilson nearly was drafted by the Broncos. He 650 00:31:34,120 --> 00:31:38,280 Speaker 1: played for the Rockies organization as a minor leaguer that 651 00:31:38,520 --> 00:31:40,040 Speaker 1: but he has a complete no trade one of the 652 00:31:40,080 --> 00:31:42,520 Speaker 1: few players but that would be a guy Aaron Rodgers. 653 00:31:42,560 --> 00:31:45,720 Speaker 1: There was real fire there last year. It wasn't just rumor. 654 00:31:46,600 --> 00:31:50,040 Speaker 1: It all was happening fast around the draft and ultimately 655 00:31:50,040 --> 00:31:53,400 Speaker 1: when it couldn't get done by the draft, you know, 656 00:31:53,440 --> 00:31:56,120 Speaker 1: the Packers had no motivation to move on from the 657 00:31:56,120 --> 00:31:59,640 Speaker 1: reigning MVP. And now that they're not getting that pick 658 00:31:59,720 --> 00:32:02,560 Speaker 1: for you know that upcoming season, you know at all fizzle. 659 00:32:03,160 --> 00:32:05,840 Speaker 1: But they will be in if Rogers is available. They'll 660 00:32:05,880 --> 00:32:09,480 Speaker 1: be in if Russell Wilson is made available by the Seahawks. 661 00:32:09,800 --> 00:32:12,240 Speaker 1: And I wouldn't even rule out of Matt Ryan, you know, 662 00:32:12,320 --> 00:32:15,640 Speaker 1: as an option there. Kirk Cousins could be available. I'm 663 00:32:15,680 --> 00:32:17,960 Speaker 1: not sure you know how much you're given up for 664 00:32:18,000 --> 00:32:20,960 Speaker 1: Cousins or Ryan. It'd be less certainly than Wilson or Rodgers. 665 00:32:21,000 --> 00:32:24,320 Speaker 1: But yes, to answer question, they've had ten starting quarterbacks 666 00:32:24,360 --> 00:32:28,200 Speaker 1: since Peyton Manning one as a winning record. Well now 667 00:32:28,240 --> 00:32:31,160 Speaker 1: I think Teddy might now, but it's right around five hundred. 668 00:32:31,520 --> 00:32:33,640 Speaker 1: They haven't been in the playoffs since Super Bowl fifty. 669 00:32:34,040 --> 00:32:37,440 Speaker 1: If they lose to the Chargers, they will secure their 670 00:32:37,680 --> 00:32:41,320 Speaker 1: fifth straight losing season, something that hasn't happened since nineteen 671 00:32:41,360 --> 00:32:45,400 Speaker 1: sixty three to nineteen seventy two. So to answer your question, yes, 672 00:32:45,960 --> 00:32:48,320 Speaker 1: they do know they need to get a quarterback, because 673 00:32:48,360 --> 00:32:50,000 Speaker 1: it's one thing to be bad. You guys have lived. 674 00:32:50,440 --> 00:32:52,600 Speaker 1: You can't be bad and boring in the current NFL, 675 00:32:52,800 --> 00:32:54,880 Speaker 1: right And that's the problem they're running into. They do 676 00:32:54,960 --> 00:32:58,360 Speaker 1: play good defense, but you can't be great defensively when 677 00:32:58,400 --> 00:33:01,000 Speaker 1: your offense only scores twenty point it's a game because 678 00:33:01,000 --> 00:33:03,160 Speaker 1: you're not getting turnovers and they don't lead enough for 679 00:33:03,200 --> 00:33:05,480 Speaker 1: you to be like Dallas is this year or like 680 00:33:05,600 --> 00:33:09,160 Speaker 1: Vick's last defense was in Chicago. So to answer your question, 681 00:33:09,240 --> 00:33:11,280 Speaker 1: I do think expect them to be in the market 682 00:33:11,480 --> 00:33:13,440 Speaker 1: for a quarterback, and I don't know that their starting 683 00:33:13,520 --> 00:33:16,240 Speaker 1: quarterback is on their roster right now. It would surprise 684 00:33:16,360 --> 00:33:19,640 Speaker 1: me if it is Troy. What's the mindset of this 685 00:33:19,680 --> 00:33:22,400 Speaker 1: Broncos team going into these final two weeks knowing that 686 00:33:22,480 --> 00:33:26,800 Speaker 1: the playoffs are out the window now and you're playing 687 00:33:26,800 --> 00:33:28,840 Speaker 1: for Pride. You're playing for a winning record and you're 688 00:33:28,840 --> 00:33:32,360 Speaker 1: playing for VIC. Is that kind of the sense that 689 00:33:32,440 --> 00:33:34,400 Speaker 1: you get or is it man, we're out of the 690 00:33:34,400 --> 00:33:37,280 Speaker 1: playoffs and we'll see you in twenty twenty two. Yeah, 691 00:33:37,320 --> 00:33:40,120 Speaker 1: I mean this one stings more because and a few 692 00:33:40,200 --> 00:33:43,320 Speaker 1: years ago, like seventeen eighteen, they just weren't good enough. 693 00:33:43,680 --> 00:33:46,200 Speaker 1: So you know, you'd say, hey, it's things not making 694 00:33:46,240 --> 00:33:48,640 Speaker 1: the playoffs, but it's hard to say with a straight face. Honestly, 695 00:33:49,000 --> 00:33:52,000 Speaker 1: this year they felt like from a talent perspective, if 696 00:33:52,000 --> 00:33:54,480 Speaker 1: you look at their twenty two that they should be 697 00:33:54,680 --> 00:33:56,520 Speaker 1: nine and eight, ten and seven. You know, when you 698 00:33:56,640 --> 00:33:58,920 Speaker 1: in their schedule, set up is one of the easiest 699 00:33:58,920 --> 00:34:01,800 Speaker 1: in the league, and you have nine games at home 700 00:34:01,880 --> 00:34:06,080 Speaker 1: this year. So this stings more because of the expectations. 701 00:34:06,120 --> 00:34:07,840 Speaker 1: They could look at you with a straight face and 702 00:34:07,880 --> 00:34:10,000 Speaker 1: say we should be in the playoffs and now here 703 00:34:10,000 --> 00:34:13,040 Speaker 1: we are again and they're not. And so they will 704 00:34:13,040 --> 00:34:15,520 Speaker 1: play for each other. This team does have good chemistry. 705 00:34:15,560 --> 00:34:17,400 Speaker 1: They do like each other more than I think a 706 00:34:17,480 --> 00:34:20,680 Speaker 1: couple you know, the previous two teams for instance, and 707 00:34:20,760 --> 00:34:23,160 Speaker 1: that helps you don't want to fail the guy next 708 00:34:23,160 --> 00:34:26,239 Speaker 1: to you. The idea of rallying around Vic. I don't 709 00:34:26,280 --> 00:34:28,439 Speaker 1: know that I would state that they do like him, 710 00:34:28,440 --> 00:34:31,879 Speaker 1: they respect him, but he isn't an emotional guy that 711 00:34:31,920 --> 00:34:33,960 Speaker 1: you know, brings that win one for the Gibber. That's 712 00:34:34,000 --> 00:34:37,560 Speaker 1: not Vic Fangio. He is mellow. He's even keeled the 713 00:34:37,600 --> 00:34:40,960 Speaker 1: whole time. So he wouldn't expect his players to do 714 00:34:41,040 --> 00:34:43,560 Speaker 1: something for him in that way, like show extra emotion. 715 00:34:44,360 --> 00:34:48,160 Speaker 1: It's just for this team. It's about finishing strong for 716 00:34:48,239 --> 00:34:51,000 Speaker 1: each other. And also it would mean something to have 717 00:34:51,040 --> 00:34:53,520 Speaker 1: a winning season to end the four year streak, and 718 00:34:53,560 --> 00:34:56,279 Speaker 1: they can't do that without beating the Chargers. And the 719 00:34:56,320 --> 00:34:59,720 Speaker 1: final part is to show your competitive in your own division. 720 00:35:00,280 --> 00:35:02,960 Speaker 1: They went one in five last year in the AFC West. 721 00:35:03,640 --> 00:35:06,279 Speaker 1: I mean they're staring at doing that again. I mean, 722 00:35:06,360 --> 00:35:09,400 Speaker 1: you can't pretend you're a contender if you have the 723 00:35:09,440 --> 00:35:12,200 Speaker 1: worst quarterback in the division and the worst record in 724 00:35:12,200 --> 00:35:15,000 Speaker 1: your own division. And so there is something to play 725 00:35:15,040 --> 00:35:18,040 Speaker 1: for there in terms of winning season and turning things 726 00:35:18,040 --> 00:35:21,200 Speaker 1: around in the AFC West. Last thing for Metroy and 727 00:35:21,200 --> 00:35:23,560 Speaker 1: I'll just follow up on that because, like you said, 728 00:35:23,640 --> 00:35:26,239 Speaker 1: Vic Fangio spent four and one against the Chargers. The 729 00:35:26,280 --> 00:35:30,400 Speaker 1: defense has been dominant. Do you think it's more likely 730 00:35:30,560 --> 00:35:33,360 Speaker 1: they try to find a new offensive coordinator, a new 731 00:35:33,440 --> 00:35:35,960 Speaker 1: quarterback of something like that, or it's a new veteran quarterback. 732 00:35:36,040 --> 00:35:39,000 Speaker 1: Where do you think it is full scale changes, Let's 733 00:35:39,000 --> 00:35:41,520 Speaker 1: get rid of the defensive guy and bringing the offensive guy, 734 00:35:41,520 --> 00:35:43,920 Speaker 1: because you know how that goes. Yeah, it's usually one 735 00:35:44,000 --> 00:35:46,080 Speaker 1: or the other. And they've had two straight defensive coaches 736 00:35:46,120 --> 00:35:49,680 Speaker 1: in Advanced Joseph and Vic Fangio. I mean, there is 737 00:35:49,680 --> 00:35:52,520 Speaker 1: a scenario where if let's say they went out go 738 00:35:52,680 --> 00:35:55,920 Speaker 1: nine and eight, where you and George Peyton the first time. 739 00:35:55,960 --> 00:35:59,040 Speaker 1: GM has a really good relationship with Fangio reminds him 740 00:35:59,040 --> 00:36:01,560 Speaker 1: a lot of MIKESI where he could say, okay, nine 741 00:36:01,560 --> 00:36:03,799 Speaker 1: and eight, the needles going this way. They play hard 742 00:36:03,840 --> 00:36:06,600 Speaker 1: for Fangio, the defense is good. You just need to 743 00:36:06,600 --> 00:36:08,640 Speaker 1: blow out the offensive staff or at least the top 744 00:36:08,680 --> 00:36:11,200 Speaker 1: guys and bringing a new offensive coordinating or a new 745 00:36:11,280 --> 00:36:15,680 Speaker 1: offensive philosophy. There is that scenario. I think that's unlikely 746 00:36:16,200 --> 00:36:19,200 Speaker 1: because for me, you'd have to win these final two games. Now, 747 00:36:20,440 --> 00:36:24,080 Speaker 1: they do play well against the Chargers. They're philosophic Fangio, Yeah, 748 00:36:24,400 --> 00:36:27,399 Speaker 1: and the Chiefs could have everything secured, so you could 749 00:36:27,440 --> 00:36:30,000 Speaker 1: be playing again a preseason type game against the Chiefs. 750 00:36:30,320 --> 00:36:33,080 Speaker 1: So in theory, you could win these last two games. 751 00:36:33,640 --> 00:36:37,080 Speaker 1: But is that enough to say they're moving forward? And 752 00:36:38,080 --> 00:36:39,640 Speaker 1: I'm not gonna lie. It'd be a tough sale to 753 00:36:39,719 --> 00:36:43,200 Speaker 1: the fans as well if you bring back Fangio, especially 754 00:36:43,239 --> 00:36:45,360 Speaker 1: if he has a losing record his first three seasons. 755 00:36:45,520 --> 00:36:49,400 Speaker 1: It's almost unprecedented where a coach, a first time head coach, 756 00:36:49,440 --> 00:36:52,360 Speaker 1: would start his career with three straight losing seasons and 757 00:36:52,520 --> 00:36:55,080 Speaker 1: get a fourth. It just typically doesn't happen. And I 758 00:36:55,160 --> 00:36:57,719 Speaker 1: like Fanzio, I don't root for anyone to lose their job. 759 00:36:58,200 --> 00:37:02,520 Speaker 1: But in Denver, expectation are different, and that's what George 760 00:37:02,520 --> 00:37:05,279 Speaker 1: Peyton I think is since after one year here, and 761 00:37:05,880 --> 00:37:08,240 Speaker 1: you know, if you're in Broncos country, it's just different 762 00:37:08,280 --> 00:37:11,120 Speaker 1: because of the Super Bowls and basically for thirty five 763 00:37:11,280 --> 00:37:13,400 Speaker 1: years they felt like they were going to make a 764 00:37:13,520 --> 00:37:16,520 Speaker 1: super Bowl run and these last five six years have 765 00:37:16,640 --> 00:37:19,799 Speaker 1: been jarring to say the least. So is there a 766 00:37:19,800 --> 00:37:24,400 Speaker 1: possibility Fangio returns, Yes, but based on these last two losses, 767 00:37:24,520 --> 00:37:26,560 Speaker 1: something would have to change in their play for that 768 00:37:26,600 --> 00:37:29,920 Speaker 1: to happen. Well, Troy, we get to see. And so 769 00:37:30,000 --> 00:37:31,680 Speaker 1: if I say, and you mentioned to us off air, 770 00:37:32,000 --> 00:37:34,200 Speaker 1: you've never been here before, So there you go. It's 771 00:37:34,200 --> 00:37:37,680 Speaker 1: a plus. Absolutely. My son's been there, my youngest. My 772 00:37:37,760 --> 00:37:40,400 Speaker 1: youngest goes to Westmont College out in Santa Barbara. So 773 00:37:40,440 --> 00:37:43,520 Speaker 1: I'm in southern California. Fair bid. He's plays baseball up there. 774 00:37:43,840 --> 00:37:46,120 Speaker 1: So I'm out your way a lot. I fly over 775 00:37:46,120 --> 00:37:48,480 Speaker 1: that airport a lot. Although Southwest now has a flight 776 00:37:48,520 --> 00:37:51,000 Speaker 1: to Santa Barbara, so I don't necessarily have to fly 777 00:37:51,040 --> 00:37:54,520 Speaker 1: in LA and drive up anymore. But I love Soko. Yeah, 778 00:37:54,560 --> 00:37:57,400 Speaker 1: I would say that's a huge win. Stay out of Lax, 779 00:37:57,480 --> 00:38:00,440 Speaker 1: goes straight to Santa Barbara, hit up carios, at up 780 00:38:00,480 --> 00:38:04,399 Speaker 1: Cabrio Street, hit Rincon, knock it all out to heck 781 00:38:04,440 --> 00:38:08,000 Speaker 1: with this place. Yeah, Santa Barbara is it's the best. 782 00:38:08,400 --> 00:38:11,040 Speaker 1: It's the best. It's Yeah. I wish I could afford 783 00:38:11,080 --> 00:38:16,239 Speaker 1: to live there. Many of us do. Troy, we'll see 784 00:38:16,239 --> 00:38:18,800 Speaker 1: you on Sunday. Man. Thanks a gift for your insight. 785 00:38:18,840 --> 00:38:23,760 Speaker 1: Awesome stuff. You gotta guys, take care, can't wait, all right, buddy, 786 00:38:24,320 --> 00:38:26,600 Speaker 1: Troy has been covering the Broncas for a long time. 787 00:38:26,640 --> 00:38:29,839 Speaker 1: Some great insight there, and bottom line, we talked about 788 00:38:29,840 --> 00:38:31,799 Speaker 1: it at the top, just take care of business and 789 00:38:31,880 --> 00:38:34,600 Speaker 1: see what the chips fall. Well, you know, I think 790 00:38:34,600 --> 00:38:37,240 Speaker 1: he shared the stat that everybody probably held their breath 791 00:38:37,239 --> 00:38:39,640 Speaker 1: when he said it. You know, one and ten versus 792 00:38:39,640 --> 00:38:42,360 Speaker 1: the rest of the AFC West, four and one against 793 00:38:42,360 --> 00:38:46,640 Speaker 1: the Chargers. You know, Fangio has got something going against 794 00:38:47,120 --> 00:38:50,440 Speaker 1: against this team. Now. Look it's a much different team, 795 00:38:50,640 --> 00:38:52,440 Speaker 1: you know. Now they are one and two against him 796 00:38:53,160 --> 00:38:56,000 Speaker 1: with Justin Herbert. You know Brandon Staley, who is one 797 00:38:56,000 --> 00:38:58,200 Speaker 1: of his protegees. And I'm sure he would tell you 798 00:38:58,239 --> 00:39:01,400 Speaker 1: because one of his biggest mentor worked with him in Chicago, 799 00:39:01,440 --> 00:39:03,239 Speaker 1: worked with him in Denver before he became the DC 800 00:39:03,719 --> 00:39:06,799 Speaker 1: with the Rams. So you know, I get a little 801 00:39:06,840 --> 00:39:10,880 Speaker 1: worried about the whole. Kyle Shanahan always has Sean mcvay's number, 802 00:39:10,960 --> 00:39:13,279 Speaker 1: and the forty nine ers always beat the snot out 803 00:39:13,320 --> 00:39:17,000 Speaker 1: of the Rams, no matter what. That did give me 804 00:39:17,040 --> 00:39:20,319 Speaker 1: a little pause. It's like, oh, man, come on. They 805 00:39:20,320 --> 00:39:21,839 Speaker 1: did get the win last year, you know, and it 806 00:39:21,880 --> 00:39:23,480 Speaker 1: was a huge win at the end of the season 807 00:39:23,600 --> 00:39:26,920 Speaker 1: for Herbert to close with four straight wins and get 808 00:39:26,960 --> 00:39:28,640 Speaker 1: to seven and nine. So let's hope they can do 809 00:39:29,360 --> 00:39:31,120 Speaker 1: the same thing, and we see some of that magic 810 00:39:31,160 --> 00:39:33,759 Speaker 1: from this team that we all believe in. Yeah, And 811 00:39:33,880 --> 00:39:37,280 Speaker 1: you know, it's tough to talk about players in specific 812 00:39:37,320 --> 00:39:39,839 Speaker 1: matchups when we're in this kind of COVID era and 813 00:39:40,000 --> 00:39:41,959 Speaker 1: we don't know who's going to start and who's gonna 814 00:39:41,960 --> 00:39:44,040 Speaker 1: be up and who's gonna be down for this game 815 00:39:44,040 --> 00:39:45,960 Speaker 1: on Sunday. But I think it just comes down to 816 00:39:46,040 --> 00:39:47,719 Speaker 1: the three things we talked about at the beginning, to 817 00:39:48,400 --> 00:39:52,200 Speaker 1: third down defense, stopping the run, and just playing clean football. 818 00:39:52,800 --> 00:39:55,879 Speaker 1: If you do those three things against this team, three 819 00:39:55,920 --> 00:39:58,839 Speaker 1: things that you didn't do against the Texans, I think 820 00:39:58,840 --> 00:40:02,600 Speaker 1: you win. Yeah. Again, you know, I waited till the 821 00:40:02,680 --> 00:40:06,160 Speaker 1: very end to do it, but just you know, with 822 00:40:06,160 --> 00:40:11,200 Speaker 1: with Nasaderly, Chris Harris, Mike Davis, you know, the secondary's 823 00:40:11,239 --> 00:40:14,960 Speaker 1: been the issue in terms of depth. So I am 824 00:40:15,000 --> 00:40:18,400 Speaker 1: I am very hopeful. I'm very hopeful with new protocols 825 00:40:18,440 --> 00:40:22,520 Speaker 1: that somehow, some combination of those guys will be out there, 826 00:40:22,560 --> 00:40:26,719 Speaker 1: because if you're down three fourths of your starters, uh, 827 00:40:27,680 --> 00:40:30,360 Speaker 1: I'm will be a little nervous. And I know Derwins, 828 00:40:30,440 --> 00:40:33,000 Speaker 1: he's a human eraser and he's been practicing this week 829 00:40:33,000 --> 00:40:34,319 Speaker 1: and he can cover a lot of that up. Ask 830 00:40:34,360 --> 00:40:36,840 Speaker 1: Ken Joey Bosa, you know, pass rush, the health of 831 00:40:36,920 --> 00:40:39,800 Speaker 1: Derwin too money. It's like you though, he's trending positive, 832 00:40:39,800 --> 00:40:41,440 Speaker 1: Coach Dae. He said he expects them to play. He's 833 00:40:41,440 --> 00:40:44,160 Speaker 1: trending positive. But we haven't seen him out there either, 834 00:40:44,239 --> 00:40:46,600 Speaker 1: So you know, I hope he's as close to one 835 00:40:47,280 --> 00:40:50,839 Speaker 1: as possible because that's the guy. I mean, that's the guy. 836 00:40:50,960 --> 00:40:56,640 Speaker 1: He changes everything, energy, disposition ability, the fact that you 837 00:40:56,680 --> 00:40:58,760 Speaker 1: can line him up anywhere. Hey, you know what, Darwin, 838 00:40:58,840 --> 00:41:02,040 Speaker 1: we need a corner there. Pick just you're you're shadowing sotting, 839 00:41:02,120 --> 00:41:04,279 Speaker 1: your shadowing Judy, and he can do it, you know, 840 00:41:04,360 --> 00:41:08,239 Speaker 1: whatever you need. So it's um, it's huge, it is. 841 00:41:08,360 --> 00:41:10,440 Speaker 1: It is huge, And unfortunately, at this time of year, 842 00:41:10,440 --> 00:41:14,480 Speaker 1: there's attrition everywhere on NFL rosters, and I'm hopeful that 843 00:41:14,520 --> 00:41:16,759 Speaker 1: the Chargers, who have been ravaged by this thing for 844 00:41:16,760 --> 00:41:19,680 Speaker 1: two weeks now, can catch a break and get these 845 00:41:19,719 --> 00:41:22,320 Speaker 1: guys back. We'll see what happens on Sunday. It's a 846 00:41:22,360 --> 00:41:23,759 Speaker 1: it's a big one. It's a must win for the 847 00:41:23,800 --> 00:41:26,960 Speaker 1: Chargers to keep their playoff hopes alive. We'll see you, 848 00:41:27,040 --> 00:41:28,680 Speaker 1: I guess in the new year. This is the last 849 00:41:28,719 --> 00:41:31,920 Speaker 1: one of twenty twenty one, so happy New Year to 850 00:41:31,960 --> 00:41:34,640 Speaker 1: all you guys out there. If you go to the 851 00:41:34,640 --> 00:41:36,920 Speaker 1: game on Sunday, it's so Fi Stadium, Please say hi 852 00:41:37,040 --> 00:41:39,520 Speaker 1: for Matt money Smith. I'm Chris Harry. This has been 853 00:41:39,600 --> 00:41:40,320 Speaker 1: Chargers Weekly